Archive for March, 2010

Silverfish Pest Control

Silverfish

The first line of defense in organic methods for pest control of silverfish insects is understanding as much about the pest as possible.

Silverfish prefer damp, moist (75 to 97% humidity), warm conditions ( 70^o to 80 F) such as those found around kitchen and bathroom plumbing. Bookcases, closet shelves, behind baseboards, wallpaper, window or door frames, wall voids, and sub-floor areas are hiding places. Attics are a favorite place for silverfish and full of food sources due to the blown in,storage boxes., and books often stored in attics.Silverfish are often seen trapped in sinks and bathtubs. They enter looking for water then are unable to climb atheslick vertical surface to escape.

Silverfish go through a three stage life cycle called gradual metamorphosis,. Silverfish may lay eggs at any time during the year, and take 19-43 days to hatch. The life cycle from silverfish egg to adult is three to four months.

Silverfish require a large supply of starchy foods. Silverfish also feed on mold or fungi.. Silverfish diets are high in protein, sugar, or starch, including cereals, moist wheat flour, starch in book bindings, and paper on which there is glue or paste. They may eat holes, irregular shaped in the wallpaper to get to the paste. Silverfish may bite very small holes in various fabrics, including cotton, linen, and silk, even though they cannot digest either linen or cotton.

NATURAL SILVERFISH CONTROL SOLUTIONS

Silverfish control starts with checking for faulty plumbing or condensation that provide the humidity favored by these pests should be eliminated. Dehumidifying reduces the moisture content of the air that these insects find essential. Some methods for dehumidifying include: Mend leaking pipes. Ventilate closed rooms and attics. Eliminate standing water.
Use a dehumidifier an air conditioner.

Nontoxic silverfish traps are also commercially available.